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Key Takeaways
- The Old Miner cut is an elongated cushion shape with larger facets and a distinct arrangement.
- The Asscher cut offers quintessential Art Deco geometry and produces a “hall of mirrors” effect.
- The Moval cut is a hybrid of marquise and oval shapes.
- The Rose cut resembles a blooming rosebud and comes in a variety of traditional and unique diamond shapes.
- The Lozenge cut looks like a stretched-out playing-card diamond and is often compared to modern architecture.
At Taylor Custom Rings, we use a variety of traditional and unique diamond cuts in our designs and custom projects, allowing for endless forms of self-expression. In this blog, we highlight some of the most visually-distinctive diamonds showcased in our engagement ring styles and available for custom pieces. Let’s get started!
Diamond Cuts vs. Shapes
The terms cut and shape are often used interchangeably, but they have specific meanings:
- Cut refers to the arrangement, symmetry, proportions, and polish of the diamond’s facets, which play a significant role in how it shines and sparkles.
- Shape refers to the diamond’s outline when viewed from above.
Many of our most visually compelling engagement rings feature avant-garde cuts and shapes that complement each other in striking ways. In this guide, we’re going to focus mainly on unique diamond cuts, but don’t overlook shapes as you pick out your perfect piece!
1. Old Miner: Romantic Antiquity
Introduced in the 1700s, the Old Miner (also known as Old Mine) cut is the antique predecessor to the modern Cushion cut. The larger facets, distinct arrangement, deep pavilion, and high crowns give this beloved cut its iconic vintage style.
The Old Miner cut also has one of the more unique diamond shapes, but in a subtle way that’s easy to miss. Because Old Miner diamonds were originally cut by hand, they’re not perfectly circular. Instead, they have more of an irregular cushion shape.
We often recommend these timeless yet unique diamond cuts to those who adore antique diamonds but want something slightly more non-traditional. It’s the perfect bridge between classic and unconventional.
2. Asscher Cut: Art Deco Geometry & Glamour
Originally patented in 1902 and then popularized during the Roaring Twenties, the Asscher cut brings quintessential Art Deco style to your ring finger.
The Asscher cut has a square shape with cropped corners and a step-cut facet arrangement with straight, parallel facets. This arrangement produces a mesmerizing “hall of mirrors” effect that pulls your eyes to the center.
Perfect for those seeking the “old money” style, these unique diamond cuts exude Gatsby-era glamour and luxury, yet they’re undeniably tasteful and refined.
3. Moval: A Standout Hybrid
The Moval cut features one of the more unique diamond shapes and silhouettes. It's a cross between Marquise and Oval cuts, so you get that flattering, elongated silhouette of a Marquise diamond but with the softer, rounded edges of an Oval.
Moval cuts are a great choice for people who lead active lifestyles or work with their hands. Because the top and bottom are not pointy, they’re less likely to snag or poke.
4. Rose Cut: The Quintessential Antique Style
Some unique diamond cuts are steeped in history, and the Rose cut is one of them. Introduced in the 1500s, this cut delivers on its name’s promise: it resembles a blooming rosebud!
Rose-cut diamonds are among our most popular Antique styles. The domed top and triangular facets are a bit more transparent, and they produce a lovely candlelight-like sparkle. The Rose cut is available in a variety of shapes, ranging from classic round to modern hexagonal.
5. Lozenge: Bold & Angular
Resembling a stretched-out playing-card diamond emblem, the Lozenge cut is unabashedly modern and one of the most unique diamond shapes and silhouettes. At the same time, its sharp, angular geometry conjures visions of the Art Deco era, bringing a vintage feel.
The Lozenge is among the most unique diamond cuts because its step-cut facet arrangement, crisp, clean lines, and symmetry combine to produce a striking style akin to contemporary architecture.
Find Your Perfect Piece at Taylor Custom Rings
Still unsure which diamond cut to choose? Take our style quiz, and get in touch for a personalized recommendation, or play with different center stone options and settings in our online ring builder.
